Bishop's-cap
Mitella diphylla
Last reviewed: June 2026
Mitella diphylla (Bishop's-cap) is a native woodland wildflower blooming in May and June across eastern North America. This shade-loving perennial produces delicate white flowers and thrives in moist, partially shaded forest conditions.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Bishop's-cap is a delicate woodland perennial that forms small clumps of heart-shaped leaves close to the ground. In late spring, it sends up slender spikes of tiny white flowers that have a distinctive fringed appearance. This native ground cover works well in shaded areas where few other plants thrive.
Growing Bishop's-cap
Grow Bishop's-cap in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bishop's-cap takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very small and can appear sparse or weedy
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Flowers are tiny and may look unkempt to traditional gardeners
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during May and June blooming period. As a native woodland plant, it provides habitat for small insects and contributes to local ecosystem health.
Common questions
- When does Bishop's-cap bloom?
- Mitella diphylla blooms during May and June, producing small white flowers on slender stalks above heart-shaped leaves.
- What pollinators visit Bishop's-cap?
- Bishop's-cap flowers attract small bees and beetles, which help pollinate the tiny white blooms during the spring flowering period.
- Where is Bishop's-cap native?
- Mitella diphylla is native to eastern North America, from the southeastern states like Alabama and Georgia north through New England and west to Minnesota and Iowa.
- What growing conditions does Bishop's-cap prefer?
- This woodland wildflower thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Bishop's-cap HOA-friendly?
- Bishop's-cap takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bishop's-cap? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz